The Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series, by Ottomobile (1/18)

Hardly a month goes by without me having to place a pre-order with these guys - they just keep churning out the good stuff. Part of Otto's May selection of new models, this is the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series.

Keeping in tradition with producing models that have not yet been done at this scale, at least not to my knowledge, Ottomobile continues to fill the voids for the obsessed model car collectors. While other companies have largely focused on the flashy, instant-appeal exotics such as the SLS and the AMG GT, the best resin model company today has been giving us everything else Mercedes, from vintage machines like the AMG Hammer to modern classics like the Black Series shown here. As an avid AMG fanatic, I'm game to pretty much anything from the Affalterbach tuner's wild creations, so here is yet another one.

Dressed up with massively flared fenders, an aggressive rear diffuser, decklid spoiler, and stylish 16-spoke wheels - amongst a host of performance tweaks - the Black Series is clearly the evil child of Mercedes' CLK lineup. It looks pretty wicked here in miniature form too. Sure, the ride height in the back might need a little work, but everything else looks accurate at first glance.

When viewed up close, the model starts to break down a bit, if only because Otto has set such high standards for itself with its consistently high-quality, high-detail products. Solid grilles up front - you know the drill. What I didn't like the most were how side gills and rear spoiler were done; they're molded directly into the casting and then coated with black paint. The effect comes out fake and unrealistic, not to mention that they should be carbon-fiber patterned as well. If this had been branded as a more upscale GT Spirit, I imagine we would have gotten individualized plastic parts with carbon fiber decals instead.

At the end of the day, this is a 60 Euro model that easily beats out most anything in its price range. It's also a Black Series, which means it should be a welcome addition for anyone who is even remotely a fan of cars. This one shall sit nicely next to my C63 and SL65.

It's A Black (Series) Friday!

Stay safe out there today, everybody. You wouldn't fight over a generic Hot Wheels casting, so don't trample other people to get those generic-branded electronics.

Though there aren't a whole lot of smoking deals for diecast collectors, at least we can be happy with the fact that holiday season means stores are getting in new stock early and often. If there's any better time to start hunting for that elusive Hot Wheels or Matchbox release, it's now.

I've had a busy week hunting and hauling myself, online and offline. I knocked some major toys off my wish list. The Hot Wheels Car Culture series has started popping up in my area. I've even found new models from brands such as Greenlight, Racing Champions, and Auto World. Most of all, I've been able to score some smoking hot deals on the big cars. Take, for example, this Minichamps 1/18 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series.

Minichamps is like that free agent who is merely a role player for the team but wants a max contract. The detail is only slightly better than some of the better low-end brands but they're priced in the premium range where they are easily outperformed by the competition. However, in this game, all you need to be successful is to make the cars that nobody else does, at which point you can essentially get away with straight robbery. Just a little heads up for the new collectors...

For the record, I found this one for about a third of what it normally goes for, and I couldn't be happier, missing right-side mirror sticker, sawdust, and all. The SL65 Black Series is nuts, and it's already one of my favorite models in the collection.

Black And Yellow: GT Spirit's 1/18 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series

The 1/18 craze continues.

If you've been keeping track, you're probably thinking "it's about time this fool showed us something other than a Skyline!" I'm all about brand and model diversity; my 1/64 collection is a perfect example of that. But outside of the GT-R's, I just haven't found a 1/18 worth spending a Benjamin (and then some) on. Until now.

Presenting the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, by GT Spirit.

The C63 AMG Black Series is one insanely wild car. When you see that Black Series badge, you know right away it's something special. The CLK Black Series. The SL65 Black Series. Most recently, the SLS AMG Black Series. Then there's this.

The first time I saw this car in person was at the LA Auto Show back in 2011. It was exactly like this, but red. It had all the carbon fiber blades slicing through the body. It had that huge wing in the back, and you know how much I love wings. It had the same wheels as this model here, black-centered and silver-lipped. I wish I could dig up the old photos I took at the show, but I have no idea where those went. The car stole the whole show, at least in my eyes. Those cartoon-ishly wide fenders coupled with the super aggressive bodywork instantly captured my heart. And to think it all originated from an entry-level luxury car. This is the madness that is the C63 AMG Black Series.

This is my second from GT Spirit, and I've been more than pleased with both of them. While resin or "composite", as some brands like to call it, is nothing more than just glorified plastic, there is zero hint of cheapness in GT Spirit's models. They're weighty, they're as detailed as their diecast counterparts, and the quality does not disappoint.

Compared to Otto Models, I would say GT Spirit is superior in just about every way, but keep in mind I have limited experience in this field. However, I can make a few claims to back up my point. Look closely at the photos here and you'll notice photo-etch badging throughout the car, giving them a realistic three-dimensional look. Otto prints their badges. Look at the front bumper grilles and you'll see that they are perforated individual parts, like you would expect on a diecast model. Otto ditches the extra pieces, fills these areas with flat black paint, and calls it a day. My favorite part of this model is the detailing on the wheels and brakes. Those slotted rotors are a thing to behold.

Should I mention how gorgeous the paint is?

I ordered the model thinking it was going to be yellow. It turned out to be much better than that. It's actually closer to gold in person, made even more amazing with the metallic flakes. This colorway is an older release that's becoming increasingly harder to find. It's limited to 1500 pieces. There are white and black versions of this, both of which are even more limited in quantity. I believe those are dealer exclusives. There's also a red version that came out more recently, but it ditches the wing (the dealbreaker) and wears silver wheels instead. Just some FYI in case you're interested. If anything, I hope this review has put this incredible model on your radar.

A fantastic execution, by GT Spirit, of the most bat-shit crazy C-Class ever. Tons of photos below for your viewing pleasure.